The Australian Open 2026 officially got underway on January 12 and 13 (Monday–Tuesday) as the tournament opened with the First Round (Round of 128) across multiple draws. Over two packed days at Melbourne Park, the focus was on men’s singles, women’s singles, and the opening matches in both men’s and women’s doubles, marking the start of the season’s first Grand Slam.
With full draws in play, the opening round brought together a wide range of competitors — top seeds, qualifiers, wildcards, and players returning from injury or off-season changes. For many, these first matches were as much about settling nerves and adjusting to conditions as they were about securing a result.
Monday, January 12: Tournament Atmosphere Takes Shape
Play began on Monday with early singles matches spread across show courts and outer courts alike. The first round traditionally presents contrasting dynamics, and this edition followed that pattern. Some players arrived with clear intent, aiming to close matches efficiently, while others were tested immediately by opponents eager to take advantage of any early uncertainty.
In the men’s singles draw, opening matches highlighted differences in playing styles and physical readiness. Longer rallies and baseline exchanges were common as players worked their way into the tournament rhythm. The hard courts rewarded those who served accurately and controlled the center of the court, while patience played a key role in extended exchanges.
The women’s singles matches on Monday emphasized movement and consistency. Many players focused on depth and placement rather than outright power, especially early in matches. With the first round often being about managing expectations, composure became an important factor in progressing through opening sets.
Monday also marked the beginning of men’s and women’s doubles competition, with several partnerships making their first appearance of the season. Early doubles matches often featured teams finding their rhythm, adjusting formations, and establishing communication patterns that would become crucial later in the tournament.
Tuesday, January 13: First-Round Intensity Builds
Tuesday continued the Round of 128, with a full slate of singles matches and additional doubles contests. As the opening round progressed, the level of intensity increased noticeably. Players who had already observed court conditions and crowd dynamics appeared more settled, while others were forced to adapt quickly.
In singles play, Tuesday’s matches frequently produced longer contests, with players testing each other’s endurance and shot tolerance. Service games became more competitive, and return games gained importance as players looked to apply early pressure.
Doubles action expanded further on Tuesday, with teams beginning to display clearer tactical intent. Net play, serve placement, and coordinated movement shaped many matches, reflecting the importance of efficiency in the early stages of a Grand Slam doubles draw.
Setting the Tone for the Tournament
The January 12–13 first-round window set the foundation for the Australian Open 2026. By the end of Tuesday’s play, the tournament had established its pace, conditions, and early storylines. While many players moved on to the next round, others exited after experiencing the unique demands of a Grand Slam opening week.
As the competition prepared to shift into the second round, attention turned toward consistency, recovery, and adaptation — key elements that would define success as the fortnight progressed at Melbourne Park.